Carnivore Kingdom

As you explore the 1.5 acres (.61 hectares) of rocky outcroppings and winding trials, keep your eyes peeled for meat-eating animals that may be lurking inches away. In addition to giant otter, Canada lynx, dwarf mongoose, black-throated monitor and white-nosed coatis, you will meet a vegetarian – a red panda. The word “carnivore” has two meanings. Literally, it means “meat-eater”-- however the word is also used to group all the varieties of dogs, bears, cats, raccoons, ferrets and hyenas. The red pandas are typically categorized with this group of animals.

This diverse area is also home to one of just a few pairs of endangered, giant otters exhibited in North American zoos. These entertaining, aquatic acrobats are part of a special breeding program for endangered species. This program has a primary goal of increasing the giant otter populations to ensure the species is represented for many generations. The Zoo also works to conserve giant otters in Guyana by working with partners in South America to motivate people to take action on the otter’s behalf.